6.5cm or 7mm

[Sgtvandy]

Ok Ive chosen the weapon, now due to my pursuit for a custom rifle Im limited with these two calibers for on hand inventory purchase options 6.5cm or 7mm Rem.
Now I had a 300 wm previously but sold it due to exhausting recoil.
Primary uses will be hunting only but Im a perfectionist and want total confidence in my set up so I will shoot throughout the year to keep disciplined.
Hunting will be in lower 48 elk on down.
I do not reload
I cant afford both right now
Keep in mind I did return a 300wm that I shot 180g bullets out of so maybe the 7mm will be just as bad, as I guess my probelm is Ive never shot a 7mm.
The 7mm im looking at will have a muzzle brake but the 300wm i sold also did.
I know I van buy a can but thats more $$$$ and a year wait......
What would ya'll do.
Thanks for the advice.

 

[supercorndogs]

6.5 Creedmoor will do you just fine. The brake on my 300wm lasted one range trip, I would much rather shoot it without.

 

[Rob01]

Yup get the Creedmoor and put a brake on it. Will cut recoil a lot for you and make it nicer to shoot. Also ammo is cheaper as you are buying factory.

 

[cwinner]

If your talking elk on down I'd stay with a 7mm over anything 6.5, sure I've seen a successfully elk harvested with a 6.5 bullet from 6.5X284 but I've seen many more anchored solidly with 7mm's.

I do use 6.5's (Creedmoor and Addiction) in everything else, works great for a deer and antelope rifle.....

 

[Steel head]

Brakes on hunting rifles suck unless you wear ear protection the whole time.

7mm with 162-168’s is a great middle ground.
Energy difference at 600 yards is notable over my 260.

 

[Rob01]

He doesn't have to put a brake on the Creedmoor. Just mentioned it if he was recoil sensitive. Or if he gets a self timing brake he can take it off to hunt and put it on to shoot at the range.

And the Creedmoor will drop an elk just fine.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Ok Ive chosen the weapon, now due to my pursuit for a custom rifle Im limited with these two calibers for on hand inventory purchase options 6.5cm or 7mm Rem.
Now I had a 300 wm previously but sold it due to exhausting recoil.
Primary uses will be hunting only but Im a perfectionist and want total confidence in my set up so I will shoot throughout the year to keep disciplined.
Hunting will be in lower 48 elk on down.
I do not reload
I cant afford both right now
Keep in mind I did return a 300wm that I shot 180g bullets out of so maybe the 7mm will be just as bad, as I guess my probelm is Ive never shot a 7mm.
The 7mm im looking at will have a muzzle brake but the 300wm i sold also did.
I know I van buy a can but thats more $$$$ and a year wait......
What would ya'll do.
Thanks for the advice.

How far do you plan on shooting at Elk?
If further than 3-400 yards get a 7 RM, my buddy shot a big 6x6 a couple years ago at 300 yards with a 6.5 cm.
It took 3 rounds to bring him down with 143 ELDX, also one hit the rear portion of the shoulder and completely came apart on impact.
If you're not going super light a 7RM is easy to shoot, get a good brake and wear the hard plastic construction style plugs around your neck.
If you go with a 6.5 make sure you use a good bonded or mono for penetration

 

[260284]

I would go with a better constructed bullet than the 143 ELDX for elk with the 6.5 Creedmoor of stick with broadside/quartering away thru the lungs. I shot two hogs with the 143 ELDX going 2705 out of a 18" creed a few weeks ago, one broadside at less than 100 yards, and no exit. Took out vertabrae behind the head, but it was a 80 lb sow, nothing huge. The 147 ELDM seems to hold together better.

 

[Odysseus1911]

Have you thought of a 7mm-08?

+ Factory available ammo
+ Much less recoil than 7RM
+ Ballistically very similar to 6.5CM
+ More thump for elk than 6.5

 

[supercorndogs]

I know a guy who has DRT more elk with a 243 win than you could shake a stick at. I know a guy who thinks his 300wm is underpowered because he had to shoot a little spike buck with it 7 times.

 

[Rob01]

Yes this elk hit at 750 yards with a Creedmoor shooting 140 Bergers and dropping where he stood shouldn't be dead according to some here LOL

 

[lennyo3034]

I know a guy who has DRT more elk with a 243 win than you could shake a stick at. I know a guy who thinks his 300wm is underpowered because he had to shoot a little spike buck with it 7 times.

7 times? I don’t think I even bring that much ammo with me when hunting.

 

[762 ULTRAMAGA]

Yes this elk hit at 750 yards with a Creedmoor shooting 140 Bergers and dropping where he stood shouldn't be dead according to some here LOL

No one said he shouldn't be dead but there are better choices...
I've killed 3 bulls with my 6.5 saum out to 900 yards (won't ever do that again, nearly lost him with a perfect hit)
Trust me there's a big difference when stepping up to a heavier bullet.

 

[cropdude]

What will your primary game hunting be? Will you hunt elk every year? If you are not going to hunt elk every year go with the cm. Ammo is more plentiful and cheaper for practice.

 

[Franko]

Just a few questions before I give my thoughts:

1. How far out do you want to be able to shoot (400 yards? 1000 yards?)
2. Can you use bullets with lead in them? (I live in California so am limited to copper bullets which imposes certain limits)

 

[aoisdff8a7ytuigh]

Ok Ive chosen the weapon, now due to my pursuit for a custom rifle Im limited with these two calibers for on hand inventory purchase options 6.5cm or 7mm Rem.
Now I had a 300 wm previously but sold it due to exhausting recoil.
Primary uses will be hunting only but Im a perfectionist and want total confidence in my set up so I will shoot throughout the year to keep disciplined.
Hunting will be in lower 48 elk on down.
I do not reload
I cant afford both right now
Keep in mind I did return a 300wm that I shot 180g bullets out of so maybe the 7mm will be just as bad, as I guess my probelm is Ive never shot a 7mm.
The 7mm im looking at will have a muzzle brake but the 300wm i sold also did.
I know I van buy a can but thats more $$$$ and a year wait......
What would ya'll do.
Thanks for the advice.

I'm a 7mm Shooter, so I can vouch for the 7mm Rem Mag. But the truth is, the 7mm recoil isn't actually bad at all. Loaded up some 162 gr ELD-X loads @3000 FPS, and, weight of my rifle and stock quality considered, it is extremely manageable and I was able to maintain my fundamentals.

Now if you said a .300 WM With a muzzle brake was too much for you, then you shouldn't be considering magnum cartridges. Usually .300s with muzzle brakes kick like or less than a .308, so if the case is that .308 is a bit too much you should definitely go to 6.5 creedmoor.

I do disagree with having to brake a hunting rifle though. After all, they are extremely loud. And in hunting environments, you rarely will be using hearing protection. Chances are, if you need to brake your hunting rifle, then you should reconsider caliber, or in your case use the 6.5, not the 7.

With either of these cartridges, you should learn to reload cause they can get a little bit expensive after shooting for a bit.

 

[Jerry m]

If elk is on the menu get a 7mm Rem Magnum with a good stock. Hitting an animal is one thing, having an adequate blood trail and being able to follow-up and recover the animal, not all calibers are treated equal...

Good Luck

Jerry

 

[Sgtvandy]

My primary hunting will be deer on down which I will do every year guaranteed. I think Im letting a couple factors influence my decision negatively:
1 They have a beautiful rifle thats a semi-custom with a good stock, cerakote barrel, correct barrel length BUT its a 7mm.
2.) I can only afford one semi-custom rifle and optics at this time.
3.) When I go to the range I always hear the old farts talk about all the youngsters coming in with magnums and how its overkill, but I also loved the knockdown power of my 300wm. I dont care what people think but I acknowledge there wisdom and experience and dont want to spend money on something Ill regret.

My max range will probably be 4-500 yards

 

[Sgtvandy]

I'm a 7mm Shooter, so I can vouch for the 7mm Rem Mag. But the truth is, the 7mm recoil isn't actually bad at all. Loaded up some 162 gr ELD-X loads @3000 FPS, and, weight of my rifle and stock quality considered, it is extremely manageable and I was able to maintain my fundamentals.

Now if you said a .300 WM With a muzzle brake was too much for you, then you shouldn't be considering magnum cartridges. Usually .300s with muzzle brakes kick like or less than a .308, so if the case is that .308 is a bit too much you should definitely go to 6.5 creedmoor.

I do disagree with having to brake a hunting rifle though. After all, they are extremely loud. And in hunting environments, you rarely will be using hearing protection. Chances are, if you need to brake your hunting rifle, then you should reconsider caliber, or in your case use the 6.5, not the 7.

With either of these cartridges, you should learn to reload cause they can get a little bit expensive after shooting for a bit.

This is exactly what I needed to hear!! Thanks for the honesty!

 

[fdkay]

Since you mentioned 6.5 CM, I'm going to go with the assumption you are primarily looking at short action.
Since you don't reload, the answer is 6.5 CM.
A far superior selection from lightweight to heavyweight bullets.
If you were a reloader, then I would recommend the 7-08, as you can load it with 162 ELD X bullets and have an excellent, long range capable cartridge that hits hard at extended distances.

 

[aoisdff8a7ytuigh]

Look into the Howa 1500 Hogue rifles. That's the one I have, in 7mm Rem Mag. So if you're looking for a 7mm Rem Mag that kicks less than a .30-06, go for them. They also have 7mm-08, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243, .22-250, .223, .30-06, .300 Win Mag, .308 and .270 Win, The Hogue Overmold stock feels and fits amazing and reduces the recoil because of the pad. The rifle is guaranteed Sub MOA right out of the box, and I zeroed it in around 4 shots.

 

[Krazy_jim]

I shoot a 7mm rem mag for hunting and range toy. 140 grain barnes ttsx do a solid job on game.

I personally like shooting something with a solid core, so this bullet works well for that. Also being light weight it doesnt kick near what a 300wm will.

I also use a 308 for hunting, and same thing i run solid core ammunition. DRT.

Shot placement is everything, but having that extra force behind makes a difference for those less than perfect shots.

 

[Franko]

My primary hunting will be deer on down which I will do every year guaranteed. I think Im letting a couple factors influence my decision negatively:
1 They have a beautiful rifle thats a semi-custom with a good stock, cerakote barrel, correct barrel length BUT its a 7mm.
2.) I can only afford one semi-custom rifle and optics at this time.
3.) When I go to the range I always hear the old farts talk about all the youngsters coming in with magnums and how its overkill, but I also loved the knockdown power of my 300wm. I dont care what people think but I acknowledge there wisdom and experience and dont want to spend money on something Ill regret.

My max range will probably be 4-500 yards

With your max range being 400-500 yards buy the 6.5 CM without hesitation. At that range the 7mm's superior speed and energy isn't necessary and your shoulder will appreciate the significantly lower recoil of the 6.5 CM.

 

[aoisdff8a7ytuigh]

With your max range being 400-500 yards buy the 6.5 CM without hesitation. At that range the 7mm's superior speed and energy isn't necessary and your shoulder will appreciate the significantly lower recoil of the 6.5 CM.

I wouldn't say significantly lower, it's all about the rifle and the load.

 

[fdkay]

Ok Ive chosen the weapon, now due to my pursuit for a custom rifle Im limited with these two calibers for on hand inventory purchase options 6.5cm or 7mm Rem.
Now I had a 300 wm previously but sold it due to exhausting recoil.
Primary uses will be hunting only but Im a perfectionist and want total confidence in my set up so I will shoot throughout the year to keep disciplined.
Hunting will be in lower 48 elk on down.
I do not reload
I cant afford both right now
Keep in mind I did return a 300wm that I shot 180g bullets out of so maybe the 7mm will be just as bad, as I guess my probelm is Ive never shot a 7mm.
The 7mm im looking at will have a muzzle brake but the 300wm i sold also did.
I know I van buy a can but thats more $$$$ and a year wait......
What would ya'll do.
Thanks for the advice.

I mentioned this earlier, please clarify, just which 7mm remington are you talking about?
Most are assuming 7mm rem Magnum, which makes sense as it is the first and most famous, however, the 7-08's proper nomenclature is actually the 7-08 remington as they are the ones that standardized the wildcat round.
Of course the 7mm SAUM is also a remington chambering.

 

[Sgtvandy]

I mentioned this earlier, please clarify, just which 7mm remington are you talking about?
Most are assuming 7mm rem Magnum, which makes sense as it is the first and most famous, however, the 7-08's proper nomenclature is actually the 7-08 remington as they are the ones that standardized the wildcat round.
Of course the 7mm SAUM is also a remington chambering.

Sorry the 7mm Rem mag

 

[Steel head]

I mentioned this earlier, please clarify, just which 7mm remington are you talking about?
Most are assuming 7mm rem Magnum, which makes sense as it is the first and most famous, however, the 7-08's proper nomenclature is actually the 7-08 remington as they are the ones that standardized the wildcat round.
Of course the 7mm SAUM is also a remington chambering.

Don’t forget 280!
Hell,,,locally 280AI factory anmo is much easier to find than 7 saum ammo.

 

[6brshooter]

Yes this elk hit at 750 yards with a Creedmoor shooting 140 Bergers and dropping where he stood shouldn't be dead according to some here LOL

The most impressive part is he shot it with a black sack on his head, lol. 6.5creed is enough for elk, unless you're trying for longest kill. 7mag isnt bad at all in recoil, I shot a buddy's that wasnt bad at all. 24" rem varmint contour in a hs prec stock with a vias brake, 168smk@3000ish. I expected alot more but it was mild.

 

[fdkay]

Don’t forget 280!
Hell,,,locally 280AI factory anmo is much easier to find than 7 saum ammo.

You are right, the original .280 is another remington 7 bore!
And an excellent choice for what the OP wants to do.

 

[Steel head]

You are right, the original .280 is another remington 7 bore!
And an excellent choice for what the OP wants to do.

Vary similar performance to 7 saum.
I can say from personal experience a 168 grain bullet at 2800-2930ish is pleasant to shoot and not lacking in performance.

 

[Gar.]

Another vote for 6.5 CM. Been harvesting Mule deer and bear with it for several years. Longest shot on a bear was 545 yards. Longest shot on a Mule deer was 147 yards. 140 grain ELD Match. I use a break on a rifle with an 18 inch barrel and mostly backpack hunt above 8000 feet. Great all around caliber for everything from coyotes to large Mule deer (my experience).

 

[Rob01]

People mentioning brakes being loud and not wearing hearing protection when hunting all I have to say is anyone who shoots without hearing pro is a moron and soon to be a deaf one. This isn't 1970. Today there is a plethora of relatively inexpensive electronic hearing protection. Like your eyes you only have one set of ears and they need protection.

Rant off.

 

[stello1001]

I know a guy who has DRT more elk with a 243 win than you could shake a stick at. I know a guy who thinks his 300wm is underpowered because he had to shoot a little spike buck with it 7 times.

This lol!!!

People are gonna say they had to shoot an elk 3 times so it could go down. More than likely, they shot it 3 times because they either can't track for shit, or are simply lazy. If the first round is placed well, even if it doesn't drop dead, the animal will expire shortly. You may have to do some tracking but this is hunting and that's the way it is.

 

[Odysseus1911]

Agreed. I hunt with the electronic hearing protectors. The full ear cups keep my sensitive little ears toasty warm on a frosty morning, I turn the sensitivity up which works like game ears -increasing the sensitivity of my hearing, and protects me from hearing damage. I'll never hunt without them again.

 

[delfuego]

@Sgtvandy I would listen to cwinner over anyone here. He know a lot and wouldn't mislead you.

If your talking elk on down I'd stay with a 7mm over anything 6.5, sure I've seen a successfully elk harvested with a 6.5 bullet from 6.5X284 but I've seen many more anchored solidly with 7mm's.

I do use 6.5's (Creedmoor and Addiction) in everything else, works great for a deer and antelope rifle.....

 

[steve123]

Ok Ive chosen the weapon, now due to my pursuit for a custom rifle Im limited with these two calibers for on hand inventory purchase options 6.5cm or 7mm Rem.
Now I had a 300 wm previously but sold it due to exhausting recoil.
Primary uses will be hunting only but Im a perfectionist and want total confidence in my set up so I will shoot throughout the year to keep disciplined.
Hunting will be in lower 48 elk on down.
I do not reload
I cant afford both right now
Keep in mind I did return a 300wm that I shot 180g bullets out of so maybe the 7mm will be just as bad, as I guess my probelm is Ive never shot a 7mm.
The 7mm im looking at will have a muzzle brake but the 300wm i sold also did.
I know I van buy a can but thats more $$$$ and a year wait......
What would ya'll do.
Thanks for the advice.

I would not haste in your decision just because you liked the looks of a particular rifle in a store!

A guy I know did that and bought a expensive Christensen arms hunting rifle in 7mmRM that shot 2"+ groups at 100Y with every premium ammo he could find. Sent it back to the Co without much better success. He was disgusted! If he'd only listened to me in the first place. Hey the gun looks great though, lol. Like a pretty wife that can't cook, hates sex, and..... Hindsight is 20-20 and regret always hurts, tends to put the pud - in the dirt. You gotta a free rhyme today.

Felt recoil comes down to how heavy the rifle is, the cartridge's energy, and whether braked or not. A light rifle in 300WM with a brake isn't punishing to put a few rounds through but shoot a couple boxes and it gets annoying, as you apparently found out.

The answer might be researching how easy it is to buy a custom action like a Bighorn Origin, a nice trigger, a nice stock, a match grade prefit barrel and nut, a go and a no gauge, and a magazine.
2 pins and the trigger is installed - easy.
Screw the nut on the barrel, screw the barrel into the action using the go and no go gauges to set headspace, then tighten nut - easy.
2 actions screws to fasten barreled action into stock.
Mount scope.
Go shoot 1/2" groups at 100Y with good ammo.

The Bighorn, ARC, and other brand actions have quick change bolt heads for most cartridges as well, so you could shoot low recoiling 6mmCM factory ammo for fun and practice, then change the bolt head to magnum to shoot 7mmSAUM for hunting. Of course you have to buy another barrel, etc.

Basically you have two custom guns in one and can enjoy the best of both worlds. Plus you get to choose all the cool rifle components!

I built a 6mmBR this way that at times is almost unbelievably accurate! Though I've had another custom rifle for many years that is my big gun so no need presently to change to other cartridges from 6mmBR - yet.

 

[stello1001]

I would not haste in your decision just because you liked the looks of a particular rifle in a store!

A guy I know did that and bought a expensive Christensen arms hunting rifle in 7mmRM that shot 2"+ groups at 100Y with every premium ammo he could find. Sent it back to the Co without much better success. He was disgusted! If he'd only listened to me in the first place. Hey the gun looks great though, lol. Like a pretty wife that can't cook, hates sex, and..... Hindsight is 20-20 and regret always hurts, tends to put the pud - in the dirt. You gotta a free rhyme today.

Felt recoil comes down to how heavy the rifle is, the cartridge's energy, and whether braked or not. A light rifle in 300WM with a brake isn't punishing to put a few rounds through but shoot a couple boxes and it gets annoying, as you apparently found out.

The answer might be researching how easy it is to buy a custom action like a Bighorn Origin, a nice trigger, a nice stock, a match grade prefit barrel and nut, a go and a no gauge, and a magazine.
2 pins and the trigger is installed - easy.
Screw the nut on the barrel, screw the barrel into the action using the go and no go gauges to set headspace, then tighten nut - easy.
2 actions screws to fasten barreled action into stock.
Mount scope.
Go shoot 1/2" groups at 100Y with good ammo.

The Bighorn, ARC, and other brand actions have quick change bolt heads for most cartridges as well, so you could shoot low recoiling 6mmCM factory ammo for fun and practice, then change the bolt head to magnum to shoot 7mmSAUM for hunting. Of course you have to buy another barrel, etc.

Basically you have two custom guns in one and can enjoy the best of both worlds. Plus you get to choose all the cool rifle components!

I built a 6mmBR this way that at times is almost unbelievably accurate! Though I've had another custom rifle for many years that is my big gun so no need presently to change to other cartridges from 6mmBR - yet.

But we don't know that he is making a purchase just because of the looks of a gun, do you?

Instead, why not ask which one he is picking and why?

Not trying to be a dick here but you literally suggested a full on custom rifle without also knowing his budget lol. I know I know, he does mention "custom" in his post but we still don't know what custom is to him.

Also, he mentioned those two cartridges because of "on hand inventory" so I'm guessing availability is important and those two cartridges are probably supplied sufficiently where ever he sources ammo.

 

[Sgtvandy]

So when I got back from basic and AIT I got my 1st half of signing bonus and I purchased a custom built H-S Precison 300 wm and put a Nightforce NXS on top. I love the weapon but up here in MN i didnt have a lot of options to shoot 365 so Id do some shooting at the indoor range over the winters. Whenever i shot the rifle at animals I never noticed the recoil but being in that concrete basement firing rounds off and feeling that percussion along with probably some fatigue i developed some habits. It was than when i decided to down grade I sold off the rifle (probably a mistake) but i did it. I picked up a bow for the last 5 years. Now starting to travel on some yearly hunts and I want to up my chances of harvesting game so getting back into the rifle scene. I loved that HS so much that my heart is kind of set on one and i have an option for the 7mm RM or one in 6.5 that I can bring home now or i wait 8-12 month and probably wont have in time for my montana hunt this fall. Plus Im impatient and I will ask everyone of you questions until Im holding my new toy. So I guess the weapon is picked. But if anyone of you know of HS Im not buying a $500 rifle so I want to make sure Im happy with my purchase for years to come. Ive never shot a 7mm Rem mag. maybe Im being a baby.

 

[Sgtvandy]

Oh and lots of good responses here guys, Im glad I joined and Thanks for not bashing me for my ignorance.
Steve123 I love the analogy of the good looking gun and the good looking wife....Could be so true.....

 

[steve123]

But we don't know that he is making a purchase just because of the looks of a gun, do you?

Instead, why not ask which one he is picking and why?

Not trying to be a dick here but you literally suggested a full on custom rifle without also knowing his budget lol. I know I know, he does mention "custom" in his post but we still don't know what custom is to him.

Also, he mentioned those two cartridges because of "on hand inventory" so I'm guessing availability is important and those two cartridges are probably supplied sufficiently where ever he sources ammo.

In all cases I've got more great suggestions. Adjustments made as required. I'm just trying to be helpful, as always.

Quote- "now due to my pursuit for a custom rifle"
I think we can safely assume there is a "custom rifle budget", righto?

Custom - he likes what he likes, what do we care, right? Buy what he's gonna buy, hey go for it.

My cartridge suggestions are on most shelves. Alrighty then. He's gonna get what he gets, I presented other options. Ordering ammo from online stores, never heard of this done before.

Furthermore can you explain to us the difference between a "full on custom" and a "custom" rifle??? Let's see, there's an action, a trigger, some type of stock with DBM, or chassis, and a barrel.
I betcha the plan I laid out, can, and probably will, be much less $ than a fair amount of higher quality rifles.

 

[stello1001]

In all cases I've got more great suggestions. Adjustments made as required. I'm just trying to be helpful, as always.

Quote- "now due to my pursuit for a custom rifle"
I think we can safely assume there is a "custom rifle budget", righto?

Custom - he likes what he likes, what do we care, right? Buy what he's gonna buy, hey go for it.

My cartridge suggestions are on most shelves. Alrighty then. He's gonna get what he gets, I presented other options. Ordering ammo from online stores, never heard of this done before.

Furthermore can you explain to us the difference between a "full on custom" and a "custom" rifle??? Let's see, there's an action, a trigger, some type of stock with DBM, or chassis, and a barrel.
I betcha the plan I laid out, can, and probably will, be much less $ than a fair amount of higher quality rifles.

Lol, did you not read where I mentioned that I acknowledged he said "custom" in his OP? I also mentioned that custom could mean different things to different people. In this case, the OP already chimed in and mentioned it was an HS rifle, which is a factory rifle, just a high end one but not custom. Don't worry OP, I'm not bashing on you for this, or anyone for that matter.

A full on custom rifle could be something like you spec'd out while a custom rifle could be a trued 700 with an aftermarket bbl and chassis maybe. Again, this could mean different things for different people.

I also never mentioned that your suggestions sucked or were inferior. I just thought maybe the OPs brain could have been picked a bit more before. If my post made it seem like I was trying to belittle you or offend you, I assure you that was not my intention. If not, very well then, we should be able carry on just fine.

 

[DJL2]

I just took the brake off my 6.5 CM. Turns out I don't much care for leaving the range concussed and with a headache. Real talk? If there's not something physically wrong with you, you don't need a brake on most anything .30-06 and down if the rifle is a reasonable carry weight (i.e. 8-9 lbs) if the stock design isn't trash. It's a matter of technique - and if you're committed to putting in the practice, you'll get there.

On that note - a 7mm Rem Mag has recoil comparable to a .30-06. For an experience shooter, not a problem. For someone's first big centerfire, maybe a bit much.

You said "custom" rifle - did you mean it? I can understand wanting to buy from available inventory, but what's your budget and timeline for delivery? Are you set on one specific action or smith? After all, if it's a custom, it ought to be in whatever caliber you want! If you've got money to burn and you must have it right now - consider buying the rig in stock and a barrel in the caliber you really want for that action. Spin the new one on, sell the old one.

Between your choices, for an all around hunting rig, I'd take 7mm Rem Mag. If it were going to be a truly custom rifle, I'd rather have a .280 AI for GP use or a 7 SAUM. If you're gonna do a lot more shooting than hunting, and you're not really gonna be chasing Elk (or other large/tough stuff), the 6.5 CM will be just fine.

 

[steve123]

Stello, LOl, that's fine, we're good.

OP, HS used to be here in AZ and I bought one of their fancy silhouette stocks for my M700, from the owner that shot with us in that sport (can't remember what his name was), like 40 years ago. State of the art stock back then.

I'm unsure of the Co's rep nowadays so I can't comment on that. How much is the rifle you want?

I am opinionated like we all are, and look at things through my own lens of perspective. I do know that I prefer the least recoil I can get away with for whatever application. So I use good brakes most of the time. Well except on my 22rf's and 20 cals.

I chose a 375CT instead of a 50, a 30 cal magnum instead of 338L, a 6.5 Saum instead the 7mm's I had before, 6mm's instead of 6.5's, well you get the point.

Ha, even my 20-221AI has a reduced load that feels like a 17hmr.

One thing is for sure, the OP mentioned he can't afford two custom rifles. Me, you'd have to know by now that I'd go for 6.5CM, fo sho. Shoot em till they drop.

 

[Odysseus1911]

OP- If you can't wait for a different chambering to be built and you've decided to take home one of the two rifles they have on the rack -a 6.5CM or a 7RM, the 7 is the better option for medium to large game.

 

[supercorndogs]

7 times? I don’t think I even bring that much ammo with me when hunting.

He probably had a brand new box of ammo, after wasting his old box trying to get on paper.

 

[cjs88]

Glad someone mentioned the 280AI. I am currently building one for elk hunting. I have no time with it on range since it isn't built but have heard nothing but good things about the 280AI. It has similar performance, 50fps less, to the 7MM rem mag but with less recoil. Factory ammo is not all the common though. I plan to reload it one day when I have room in my house. For hunting rounds I plan to buy a box through Hendershots. You pick your brass and bullet, they make the ammo and send it to you.

 

[supercorndogs]

I like my 280 remington. I bought a 26" Criterion 280 barrel from another member, and the thing is a hammer with 7977 and 162 a maxes. I have been looking at lighter shorter 280 barrels to hunt with.

 

[cwinner]

The 280AI would be a great option but while factory ammo is available it really shines when hand loading....

My reason for recommending the 7mm Mag to you was due to your statement .....you said primarily a hunting rifle...... if you had said primary target and an occasional elk inside 300yds, 6.5 Creedmoor would have been my vote.
hell, I used to headshot cow elk with a 22-250 for my winter meat back in the day but I'd never recommend it....... you will be much happier hunting with a 7mm mag and that bull of a lifetimes standing 1/4 towards you at 600 yds.

Primary uses will be hunting only but Im a perfectionist and want total confidence in my set up so I will shoot throughout the year to keep disciplined.
Hunting will be in lower 48 elk on down.
I do not reload

 

[DJL2]

I like my 280 remington. I bought a 26" Criterion 280 barrel from another member, and the thing is a hammer with 7977 and 162 a maxes. I have been looking at lighter shorter 280 barrels to hunt with.

If you need another box of 162 A Max, let me know. I don't have anything to load 'em for at the moment. I also have 3x boxes of Matrix 168s. I really need to get another 7mm...just an incredibly versatile bore size.

 

[lou400a]

Non magnum I would go 7mm-08 or good old 270 win. During the Obama days the shelves were bare, but Wally world always had 270 and sometimes 7mm-08 in stock if you don't reload.
I push 162 eldx pretty hard out of my shorty T3 with great results on whitails. I also shot whitetails, coyotes and ground hogs with 6.5 Grendel so the Creed should do better?